Short answer: the Edifier MR5, if you are buying new. The Kanto YU ranks higher than it (#58 vs #78 of 108 powered bookshelf speakers, 3.7/5 vs 3.3/5) but is discontinued, so only consider it used; the Edifier MR5 is still sold new at $349.99.
The Kanto YU is the better-sounding pick. A compact powered pair with Bluetooth, RCA inputs, a remote, tone controls and a subwoofer output for simple desktop setups. The catch: Standalone preference is 3.46 and the -3dB point is about 85Hz, so it lacks low-bass weight.
Why pick the Edifier MR5: A three way desktop monitor pair with a dedicated midrange, LDAC Bluetooth, balanced inputs, app EQ and a headphone jack. It supports LDAC Bluetooth, which the Kanto YU lacks. It keeps a wired aux input, which the Kanto YU lacks. Watch for: Erin’s CTA-2034 data shows upper-midrange and treble irregularities, while off-axis response narrows more quickly than ideal above about 2-3kHz.
Buy the Edifier MR5, since the Kanto YU is discontinued and only worth hunting down used.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Powered Home rankings.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Kanto YU | Edifier MR5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $349.99 per pair Discontinued | $349.99 per pair |
| Ranked | #58 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #78 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Enclosure | 2-way powered, rear-ported MDF | - |
| Drivers | 1” silk-dome tweeter, 4” Kevlar woofer | 5-inch woofer + 3.75-inch midrange + 1-inch silk-dome tweeter (each) |
| Dimensions | 8.7H x 5.5W x 7.5D in | 6.3”W x 10.4”H x 11”D (159 x 264 x 280 mm) (active); 159W x 264H x 257D mm (passive) |
| Weight | 6.2 lbs (2.8 kg) active, 5.3 lbs (2.4 kg) passive | 22.9 lbs (10.38 kg) |
| Amplifier Power | 70W RMS / 140W peak per pair | 110W RMS total (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | RCA and Bluetooth 4.2 aptX | Balanced XLR, balanced 6.35mm TRS, RCA, 3.5mm Aux |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX | LDAC, SBC |
| Country | Canada (design) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.46 | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.38 | - |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes | - |
| Outputs | Subwoofer | 3.5mm headphone |
| XLR Input | No | Yes |
| RCA Input | Yes | Yes |
| TRS Input | No | Yes |
| Optical Input | No | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | 6.0 |
| Frequency Response | 60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 46Hz-40kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| App | - | Yes (Edifier ConneX) |
| EQ | - | Yes (app EQ and rear high/low controls) |
| Maximum SPL | - | 101dB (Manufacturer specified, 1m) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | - | 51Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | - | 85dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Measurement Source | - | Erin’s Audio Corner |
| Headphone Output | - | Yes |
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